Linus Torvalds wrote:> > Additionally doing a min/max comparison to see that the loop is very > _stable_ is of course also a way to validate things, but expecting _too_ > much stability may be wrong too. As mentioned, SMM events can happen for > other reasons than emulation...

Not to mention that we still have the unsolved regression from when HPETsupport first went in (2.6.2[01] timeframe), where machines randomly lock upat "Switching to HPET" time during boot. Depending upon kernel .config,phase of the moon, and apparently SMM events.